My friends keep calling me “flat-chested” and “skin and
bones” because I am skinny. I try to be happy with my body but they keep making
me feel more self-conscious! How do I make them shut up and worry about
themselves instead of picking on me?

Sometimes when our friends say things about our bodies, it’s
because they’re concerned for our health and welfare. If you’re naturally
skinny, though, or have come by any other body features (big boobs, long legs,
broad hips) naturally, they’re comments can quickly feel like attacks designed
to make you feel bad about yourself.

If these girls are
your friends, it’s important that they know how their words make you feel. The
next time someone makes a crack about your pant size, seriously ask them to
please cut it out. Explain that comments like that make you feel really
self-conscious, and you’re sure they don’t intend to hurt your body image, but
that’s what they end up doing, anyway.

And if they still won’t stop? Resist the urge to dish out
the mean comments you’ve been fielding, and instead go hand with hunnies that
make you feel good about yourself.

One more thing: There are a lot of naturally skinny chicas
out there. There are also a lot of skinny girls out their who hurt their bodies
in order to maintain an unhealthy weight. When your friends say something
off-hand that cuts ya to the quick, take a moment to ask yourself why you’re
feeling hurt. Is it because they’re relentless about something you can’t help?
Or are they pointing at a greater truth you’re trying to hide?

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